Former Toronto Blue Jays Outfielder Discusses Disappointing Trade of Former Teammate

Former Toronto Blue Jays outfielder and defensive standout Kevin Pillar was in Toronto this week, contributing to Sportsnet’s World Series coverage. He will also be at Game 5 on Wednesday night.

After Game 3, a Dodgers win, Pillar discussed the play and play of outfielder Teoscar Hernandez. Hernandez has starred for the Dodgers in these playoffs and is just one win away from his first World Series ring. The two previously played together in Toronto from parts of 2017 to early 2019.

Pillar had this to say about Hernandez’s disappointing trade to the Seattle Mariners before the 2023 season. It comes via the Toronto Sun:

“It’s a shame when you have a guy like that in a place like this and (Blue Jays management) decides not to bring him back,” Pillar said after the Dodgers’ 4-2 victory in the Bronx. “As a former teammate of his, I am happy to see him succeed.

“He’s in a great place if he wants to win.”

Hernandez was entering the final year of his contract in 2023 and the Jays opted to move him rather than deal with the arbitration raise. They also dealt Lourdes Gurriel Jr. at the time, in a separate deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Hernandez hit 26 home runs for Seattle in 2023 and then signed a one-year contract with the Dodgers this offseason. He won the home run derby at the All-Star Game, hitting 33 home runs while driving in 99.

Pillar also had this to say about Hernandez, who will be a free agent again at the end of the season:

“I think he’s a great player,” Pillar said of Hernandez. “Teoscar is not only an incredible hitter (for) power, average, he’s a sneaky runner. He is one of those players who has five tools. He has an incredible arm. He has the ability to put it out there.

Pillar played in Major League games for twelve seasons with the Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, Colorado Rockies, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, White Sox, Atlanta Braves and Angels.

Although he traveled extensively in the latter part of his career, Pillar was a regular for the Blue Jays from 2015 to 2018. He was one of the best outfielders in the league during his time in Toronto and was part of two Blue Jays teams that went to the ALCS (2015-2016).

Pillar hit .229 between the White Sox and Angels this season. Earlier this summer he indicated that he will probably retire after this year, although he has not yet formally done so. If he wanted to keep playing, he would probably find a job and serve as a good veteran in a clubhouse. He is about to turn 36 years old.

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